Can artificial urinary sphincter be an effective salvage option in women following failed anti-incontinence surgery?

• DOI: 10.1007/s00192-010-1268-0
• Publication Date: 2010-09-28T16:09:40Z
• Authors: Eric Chung; Anojan Navaratnam; Ross A. Cartmill
• Keywords: Artificial urinary sphincter

The role of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) as salvage option following failed anti-incontinence surgery is unclear.Database review and telephone survey were conducted to review patient satisfaction, surgical outcomes, device failure and revision rates.A total of 29 female patients received AUS following failed anti-incontinence surgeries. Five (17%) AUS devices were explanted due to AUS erosion or infection. Thirteen AUS revisions were made and device malfunction accounted for 95% of the cases. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed more than 90% of AUS malfunction occurred less than 100 months from the time of implant. There was a significant decrease in pad use (3.6 to 0.2 pads per day; p < 0.01). The continence rate with no pad use was 70% and this increases to 83% in patients wearing one precautionary pad.AUS is a safe, durable and effective salvage option for females with previous failed anti-incontinent surgeries.